John Carlyle Smith (J C) age 97, of Wayan, ID, passed away June 15, 2020 in Soda Springs, ID, of natural causes.

J C was born September 18, 1922 in Beaver, UT to William Carlyle and Mary Ellen (Ella) Hodges Smith. He grew up during the Great Depression, which influenced his perspective of life. He graduated from Beaver High School in 1941 after serving as Student Body President his Senior year. After High School, he started his life's ambition to become a rancher and soon met the newly arrived schoolteacher in Beaver, Vera Mae Dubach, from Wayan, ID. They were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple, September 10, 1946. Tragedy in Vera's family brought them to Wayan in 1948 to run the ranch. At age 28, he was called to be the Bishop of the Grays Lake Ward for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Over the years, he has influenced many people through his example and teaching.

J C received numerous awards throughout his life for his ranching and grassland management skills.

At the age of 4, J C found his first arrowhead on the family homestead. This passion grew to the vast collection now displayed at the Caribou County Courthouse in Soda Springs, ID.

J C loved family, road trips with Vera, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, nature, ice-cream sundays, Wheat Thins and tall-green grass; however, one thing he could not tolerate were noxious weeds. Even at the age of 95, you could often find him out in the fields with his back-pack sprayer killing weeds.

J C is survived by his children: Jalene (Earl) Somsen, Wayan, ID;  Marilyn (Rand, deceased) Matthews, Layton, UT;  Jean (Tim) Steele, Brookings, SD;  Dave (Aneta) Smith, Wayan, ID; brother, Clark Smith, Beaver, UT; 13 grand-children, 21 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

He was preceeded in death by his spouse, Vera Mae; son, Scott J Smith; 3 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren.

Due to COVID-19, a private service and burial with immediate family will be held in Soda Springs, ID.